Encrypt DATA with Veracypt

This guide provides instructions to create an encrypted software container in Windows using the Veracrypt software application. This container is a folder that is protected by encryption, and any files added to the folder will be secure. If the hard drive you are using is formatted with the ExFAT file system, the Veracrypt container will be visible/readable in Windows or macOS.

***Please note that if you are using VeraCrypt with macOS, you will need to install MacFUSE and adjust your security settings to run it. MacFUSE is updated regularly so be remember to keep both VeraCrypt and MacFUSE up to date with the latest versions.

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1. Plug in your external hard drive and locate it in Windows Explorer

2. Download and install the Veracrypt application
Download Veracrypt for your computer and operating system.
https://www.veracrypt.fr/en/Downloads.html

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3. Open the VeraCrypt application and click “Create Volume”
The Create Volume option will launch the VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard.


4. In the Wizard, click “Create an encrypted file container”
An encrypted file container is an individual folder or “container” on your drive that is encrypted. Once the container is created, any data that is added to it will be protected by encryption.

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5. Volume Type: Standard VeraCrypt volume
For volume type, choose “Standard” so that when you connect to your drive you will be able to see that it contains an encrypted folder.

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6. Volume Location: Your drive
Choose, “Select file…” and choose the location of your encrypted volume. Choose the top-level directory of your connected hard drive.

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7. Encryption Options: AES / SHA-512
Choose AES for encryption type and SHA-512 for the hash algorithm to be used for your new encrypted container.

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8. Volume Size: 80% of available space
The Volume Size window will specify the free space on the drive on which your encrypted folder or “container” will be located. In the example on the right, the external drive has 115GB available. When you create your encrypted container, leave 20% of free space on your hard drive to avoid filling it and introducing the possibility of data corruption. To use 80% of 115GB available, enter 92 and choose “GB” for gigabytes.

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9. Volume Password
Enter the password for this volume that was provided to you by a member of the Multimedia team. If you do not yet have a password, contact a member of the team to obtain one. Please do not make up your own password

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10. Large Files: Yes

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11. Volume Format: exFAT
Make sure the Filesystem being used for this encrypted container is exFAT and the Cluster options reads “Default”. Leave “Quick Format” unchecked.

Move your cursor to generate a random pattern for the cryptographic process.

12. Mounting a Volume

  1. Click 'Select File' and grab the file you are opening.

  2. Press 'Mount' and then you will be prompted to enter the password.

  3. It may take a moment, but once it's done, you will see a slot and volume pathway in the white box. The volume is now mounted on the desktop where you can access the files.